HOW MANY YEARS DO GERMAN SHEPHERDS LIVE?

If you are a German shepherd dog lover, then definitely you have a question in your mind how many years do German shepherds live?

German Shepherd dogs are very famous dogs all around the world. These are famous because of their loyalty to owner, intelligence, and their versatility. Nowadays these German shepherd dogs are become familiar members. Most of pet lovers choice is German Shepherd.

It’s very common that every owner of German shepherd dogs has the same question how many years do German shepherds live?

How Many Years Do German Shepherds Live?

In the 19th century, German shepherd dogs were actually bred in Germany. In the initial days, these dogs were used for guarding sheep. As days go German shepherd dogs become very popular in all fields, especially in police and military service. And also they are very popular dogs in search and rescue operations.

Life Span of German Shepherd Dogs

The life span of German Shepherd dogs may vary depending upon several factors. The main factors are genetics, diet, exercise, and overall it’s health.

Factors Influencing Life Span

As a dog lover, you should know the factors that influence the lifespan of your dog

• Genetics: Theatre health of the dog and its life span mainly depends upon its genetics. To have good health they should be from good genetics.
• Exercise and Diet: Exercise for our dogs is very important to maintain good health. You should take your dog for a walk a regular time intervals. Your dog should get a good diet including minerals, proteins, and vitamins.
• Healthcare: Vaccination for dogs is very important. We have to consult veterinary doctors regularly to maintain the good health of our pet dogs.

Average Life Span

On average, German Shepherd dogs live up to 9 to 13 years. Suppose if we provide proper health and nutrition to our dogs then our dogs will live more than 13 years.

Tips To Increase the Life Span of German Shepherd Dog

Although genetics plays an important role in life span, there are some optimal steps every owner can take to increase their German Shepherd dogs for longer life span and good health.

Diet and Nutrition

• Maintaining a balanced diet habit for your dog will increase the life span.
• Your dog food should contain essential requirements that are very important to dog’s life.
• High-quality foods supplemented with fresh vegetables will provide essential Vitamins and Minerals to your dog.

Mental Stimulation and Exercise

• German shepherd dogs are very intelligent and also very active dogs so they need exercise and mental stimulation at regular intervals of time.
• Exercising dogs includes not only online walking but also interactive play, training sessions, and some physical activities that will keep your dog healthy and active.

Veterinarians Checkups

• Consulting a veterinary doctor regularly will help us to early detection of any health problems in our dog.
• Treatment for every health problem is very essential.
• Vaccination, parasite control, and dental care are also very important.

What do German Shepherd Usually Die From?

Hip Dysplasia

• It is the condition where the hip joint of our dog doesn’t grow properly. It leads to problems with walk and pain.
• Hip Dysplasia disease is very common in German Shepherd dogs.
• This disease happens because the hip socket and thigh bone of a dog don’t fit snugly together.
• It causes rubbing and wear.
• It can make walking difficult and painful for our dog.
• Regular exercise and good body weight can reduce this condition.

Degenerative Myelopathy

• Degenerative Myelopathy is a condition that affects German shepherd dogs.
• This condition causes Spinal cord to break down over the time period.
• Initially, it starts with weakness in the back legs and slowly leads to paralysis.
• There is no cure for this disease after causing, these are not painful for the dogs but it can be hard for them and also for their owners.
• Early diagnosis and proper care can improve quality of life.

Bloat

• Bloat or gastric is a life-threatening condition for dogs.
• It occurs when the dog’s stomach is filled with gas.
• Feeding smaller quantities of more frequent meals and reducing heavy exercise immediately after eating food can help to minimize the risk.

How to Care for Aging German Shepherd Dog

When German shepherd dogs get older their behavior and physical strength will change as days go. Every owner should focus on their activities and they should take care of their pet as required.

Here are some activities that owners should adopt in their pet dog’s daily routine.

Adjustment In Dietary

Aged German Shepherd dogs need a change in their nutritional needs. It is a very common problem in aged dogs is their joint pain and their teeth problems. Every owner should consult a pet doctor at a regular time interval.

Routine of Exercise

As German shepherd dogs become old, their activeness will decrease. They will be less progressive, so as a dog owner it’s our duty to take care of our dog and we have to adjust to their needs.

Sign of Discomfort

Monitoring our pet dog in the aging stage is very important. we have to keep an eye on our dog’s behavior. We should observe diseases like illness, pain, and stiffness in our dogs. Pre-determination of problems in dogs with doctors helps it easier to maintain the good health of our dog.

Conclusion

The life span of every German shepherd dog varies from dog to dog. It depends upon the care, love, and environment we are providing to our pet dog. Also to make our dogs live longer, proper medication and pre-determination of diseases and vaccinations are very important.

To enjoy the beauty of having a pet dog, every dog owner should observe and monitor their dogs every day. Once dogs are attached to their owners by heart they never ever going to leave their owners till their last breath as we have seen many examples in our daily lives. To enjoy the company of your dog, make them your family members and treat them like your children. By doing this I am sure that your dog will live longer with you.

Frequently Asked Questions